Tool for testing spark-plugs



G. H. AINGE.

TOOL FOR TESTING SPARK PLUGS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. I5, 1918.

Patented July 6, 1920.

,4 TTORNEY WITNESSES:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE H. AINGE, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

TOOL FOR TESTING SPARK-PLUGS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J 1113 6, 1920.

Application filed April 15, .1918. Serial No. 228,516.

The object of the invention is to provide a tool which will be simple in construction,

effective in operation and economical in manufacture.

In the accompanying drawings p Figure 1 is a perspective view of the tool embodying my improvements shown attached to a spark plug.

Fig. 2 is another View of the tool.

Fig. '3 is a perspective view of the spark plug cleaning attachment detached.

In the drawings, 1 represents ahandle, constructed of non-conducting material, Ereferably wood with a flat upper surface.

igidly seciired. to one end of the handle to the -upper surface thereof is a flat metallic plate 2 formed with a contact point 2 at one end and with a bifurcated terminal portion 2 at the other end so that it may straddle the binding post of the spark plug 3 and be clamped to the post by the binding nut 4:.

Pivotally connected to the upper surfaces of the handle 1 intermediate its ends is a movable switch member consisting of a me- J for cleaning. the points.

tallic contact portion 5 and a handle 6 of insulating material. The bindlng post 7 serves as the means for pivotally connect-- ing the movable switch member and the handle together, the post being provided with a head on the underside of the handle and a nut 8 threadedon the post serving to hold the parts together. A lip 9, upturned from-the plate 5 prevents the nut 8 from turning and the head is slotted to receive ascrew-driver or other tool so that these partsmay be tightened to the desired binding post of the plug and attached to the binding-post 7 of the tool and the bifurcated portion. 2" of the contact plate 2 is connected to the binding post of the plug.

The movable member of the switch is then adjusted to the desired degree, such for instance as the position shown in Fig. 1, and if current is passing through the wire 11 a spark will be observed between the stationary and movable members of the switch. By varying the distance between the contacts 2* and 5 the intensity or the strength of the spark may be ascertained. If desired the circuit may be tested, when the plug is in the cylinder by grounding the contact portion 2* on the cylinder of the engine and making a contact between the binding post of the spark plug and the contact portion 5 of the tool. I

If it is desired to test the plug itself,-the plug is removed from the cylinder, and the connection is made as before described. By then grounding the plug, it can be observed whether or not the plug is properly sparking between its points. In this test the switch on the tool may be closed, although this is not absolutely necessary providing the switch membersare adjusted to the proper deo'ree.

For ,the purpose of cleaning the spark plug, I have shown an attachment in the nature of a wire brush 12, the metallic holder 13 for the brush having a shank 14 the spark plug while the brush is used 1 Having thus described myinvention, I claim 1. In a device of the character described, a handle of insulating material, an electric switch located thereon consisting of a stationary member and a movable member, said stationary member having a bifurcated portion to receive the binding post of a spark plug and a contact point, said movable member having a pivoted connection with said handle so as to be laterally swingable relatively thereto, said movable member also having a contact point to cooperate with the contact point of said stationary member, and a binding post associated with said movable member to receive the spark plug conductor wire, said handle being extended beyond conveniently grasped by the hand of the operator and said movable switch member be-' ing projected in the general direction of said handle extension to allow for its ready manibulation. v

2. In a device of the character described, a handle of insulating material, an electric switch located thereon consisting of a stationary member and a movable member, said stationary member having a bifurcated portion to receive the binding post of a spark plug and said movable member a binding post to receive a circuit Wire, said binding post constituting a pivotal connec-- tion between said movable member and said handle, said handle being extended beyond said switch members and binding post a sufficient distance to permit the same to be conveniently grasped by the hand of the operator.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto setmy hand this 12th day of April, 1918.

GEORGE H. AINGE.

Witness CHAS. I. WELOH. 

